Red Bluff events promoter takes plea bargain

RED BLUFF — A Red Bluff events promoter pleaded no-contest this morning in Tehama County Superior Court to tax and drug-related charges in exchange for probation.

Joe Froome, 50, pleaded no-contest to failure to file income tax returns and maintaining a place for the purpose of unlawfully selling, giving away or using controlled substances.

Other remaining criminal counts against Froome, as well as his wife, Kellie, 49, are being dismissed as part of the plea bargain.

It's been alleged the pair failed to file corporate income tax returns in 2009 and 2010 for putting on the West Coast Monster Truck Nationals.

Additionally, a marijuana cultivation case against Froome's son-in-law, Daniel Ludwig, 29, is close to being resolved.

His case has been referred to probation officials to try to determine if he's eligible for probation. If so, he would be placed on probation for 18 months should he change his not-guilty plea in that case.

Joe Froome and Ludwig were arrested Oct. 21, 2009, when agents raided an indoor marijuana-growing operation on Baker Road. They were charged with cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.

The pair steadfastly have maintained they were operating a legitimate medical cannabis collective under Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.

Froome was additionally charged with eight counts of money laundering, which are being dismissed.